AIDS CANDLELIGHT MEMORIAL DAY

Candlelight Vigil
(Leaders Guide)

Environment: This candlelight vigil should be held after dark, preferably outdoors if weather
permits.

Items needed:
• 1 bell, the deeper in tone the better
• 1 person to toll the bell
• 3 Readers, preferably with skills as lectors
• Taper candles for the congregation
• Copies of the Vigil Sheet for the congregation,
• Audio equipment for amplification, if necessary
• A table with HIV and AIDS information for after the vigil
(As people gather, the bell ringer begins to toll the bell once every fifteen seconds. This
continues throughout the vigil. Once the congregation is gathered and silent, one candle is lit.)

READER 1: When light shines in darkness, our surroundings become clearer. We see our
world, and more importantly, we see that others are standing next to us. We recognize that we
are not
alone. When light shines in darkness, we live in hope.
(((Reader 1 lights Reader 2’s candle.)))

READER 2: Henri Nouwen writes that “hope frees us from the need to predict the future and
allows us to live in the present, with the deep trust that God will never leave us alone ….” The
light that shines this evening brings us closer to our brothers and sisters who are affected by
HIV. Connected by God’s ever-expanding love, we see their humanity and they see ours. We
share in their hope, for today HIV is no longer a death sentence. Today, proper care and
treatment can allow people living with HIV to lead productive and hopeful lives.
(((Reader 2 lights Reader 3’s candle.)))

READER 3: Unfortunately, that hope is also faced with the reality that someone still dies of HIV
related causes once every fifteen seconds; once every time this bell tolls. We also know that
7,000 new people become infected with the virus each day. What shall be our response?
Together, we can offer positive support through our advocacy, our donations of time and money,
and through our prayers. In that spirit of hope and solidarity, let us pray …
“Almighty God, tonight we take vigil to seek your healing and strength. Be our light in darkness,
O Lord, so we may recognize our common humanity with all those affected by HIV, with each
orphaned child, each woman and each man. Grant us the courage to not judge people living
with HIV as “bad” or “guilty,” but to see them as you see them, as unique individuals deserving
compassionate love and dignity. We ask this in your name, O loving Creator …

ALL: Amen.

2
READER 3: The darkness of HIV shall not overcome us. Let us now hear stories of hope from
those touched by the disease. (Let us take a moment to watch the video)

READER 1: O God, whose name is love, these are our stories. Let them penetrate our hearts,
so that every statistic can carry a name, so that we may never grow numb to the hopes of your
people. Gracious God, may these stories unveil your light of hope, in the midst of darkness.
May that hope spread to all those affected by HIV throughout the world.
(((Watch a video)))
READER 2: A reading from the prophet Isaiah:
No longer shall the sun be your light by day, Nor the brightness of the moon shine upon you at
night; The LORD shall be your light forever, your God shall be your glory. No longer shall your
sun go down, or your moon withdraw, For the LORD will be your light forever, And the days of
your mourning shall be at an end.
(((At this time, take a moment of silence for few seconds)))

READER 3: May the flame of hope that we share, continue to spread throughout our community
and the world. As a manifestation of that light, let us all watch and hear the message given by
the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
(((Watch a video)))

READER 1: It is far too easy for us to become jaded to the needs of our brothers and sisters
who live with HIV and AIDS. We hear the tolls of their pain, but against our best judgment we
grow lax and comfortable. This is the time of year when we can recommit ourselves to their
service. This is the time when we can lay down our passivity, in order to take up our solidarity
with the world. If you are so willing, I invite you to recite with me the following prayer of
commitment.

ALL: Today and for the months ahead I commit …

To denounce all intolerance, bigotry and injustice against those affected by HIV. To not turn a
jaded eye to news reports on the disease, but rather to educate myself so I may become a
stronger advocate for t`1he HIV community. To ensure, within my area of influence, that all
affected by HIV and AIDS might access compassionate, nonjudgmental care, respect and
support, regardless of their religion, nationality, gender, lifestyle or sexual orientation. To work
unreservedly to overcome cultural, legal or other systems that disempowered and silence
women and children while increasing their burden of care, guilt and blame. To witness, in my
life, that no one is a stranger or outsider.
(Based on selections from CAFOD, 2001)

READER 2: In your presence, good and loving God, we make these commitments. Help us to
be true to our words, and if we falter, grant us the endurance to continue once more. Bless us
as we go forth this evening, and may our actions become living signs of your hope in our Inter-
connected world. This we pray in your name…

ALL: AMEN

(((Play anthem song)))